tammy63

Hello!

I once again seek the help of you beloved FODORDITES!! I hope I spelled that right.

I have used "marathoning" my excuse to visit as much of the U.S. as possible and have depended on all of you for help for the best trip possible. SO FAR SO GOOD!!

My next adventure will be Detriot Michigan October 18th- October 22nd. Once again.. I know NOTHING! I plan to fly into Detroit on October 18th and depart on October 22nd. The marathon will be on Sunday, Oct. 21st. I would like to make the most of the short visit and think that I would like to find a cabin or vacation home within an hour or so drive to downtown Detroit. Any recommendations on a lake or area that would be within an hour of Detroit? I really don't even know what the suburbs of Detroit are.. I would like a peacful area to kick back and enjoy beautiful scenery and rest before the couple of days before the marathon? All suggestions welcome!! Thanks!!!
Tammy

Citylghts

Tammy, for cottages in a more rural area, take a look at the Irish Hills/Brooklyn area. It's about 90 minutes west of the city. www.brooklynmi.com.

Closer in, there are several hotels in Ann Arbor, about 25 miles west of the airport. It's a good medium-size city and you can hit the hot spots in town or spend time in the Mathaei Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum on the U of M campus.

Lastly, there is a large concentration of hotels in Dearborn, about 10 miles west of Detroit. They range from Red Roof Inn to The Ritz. Most are close to Henry Ford's estate and The Henry Ford Museum complex. If you have some free time, it's worth a visit. You can easily spend two days in both museums. www.hfmgv.org.

tammy63

Citylights.. when I click on the link and go to cabins I get this big list of places..

Briggs Lake
Clark Lake
Deep Lake
Devils Lake
Dewey Lake
Evans Lake
Goose Lake
Irish Hills Area
Lake Belair
Lake Columbia
Lake LeAnn
Little Stoney Lake
Meadow Lake
Mirror Lake
Pickerel Lake
Round Lake (Jackson County)
Round Lake (Lenawee County)
Sand Lake
Silver Lake
Sweezy Lake
Vineyard Lake
Wamplers Lake
Washington Lake
White Lake

are these all within the suburbs of detroit?

Thanks!

sjk

well, the closest lake to Detroit is Lake St. Clair - I knew some friends who had houses by the lake and a boat and it was fun but I'm not sure about hotels, etc. My favorite of the Great Lakes is Lake Michigan - lots of lakeside towns to choose from but it's 3-hours from DTW to South Haven. Other options are along the "thumb" area of Michigan (Lake Huron & in/around Saginaw). It's pretty and you have more options for vacation rentals along there, but it's 1.5-2 hours from DTW. I will post back with specifics shortly.

japw82

If you have a passport, Windsor, Ontario is also an option. http://www.vrbo.com/125093

tammy63

No, we do not have passports but this looks like an awesome idea! I never thought about that and the link you sent looks like a beatiful place! I wonder what the weather is there in late October and if fishing would be an option. Is 8 weeks enough time to get passports? If we are renting a car out of Detroit will we be able to drive it to Canada ok?

japw82

Unless you use the expedited service a passport usually takes at least 8 weeks. Yes, you can drive a rental into Canada. While in Detroit, do experience Greektown.

tammy63

Has anyone here ever stayed in Windsor at a vacation home? Is there anywhere we should try to stay away from while looking for a place and is there a specific recommended area? Is it true that the cost of living and such is more reasonable in Canada than U.S.?

tammy63

I just posted the Windsor question to the Canada board but still appreciate any more ideas!

harrowgirl

You do NOT need a passport to get into Canada. At the bridge/tunnel, all you will need is a photo id (like a driver's license) and your birth certificate.

I live in Windsor - I think it would be unlikely that you would find a rental that would be in bad area. There is one area that isn't so great - but I highly doubt there are rentals there (the "west-end")

If you do come to Windsor - definitely check out Erie Street (our little Italy). There are DOZENS of fantastic Italian restaurants. I would recommend Il Gabbiano, Mezzo, Nico and Noi.

Our casino is right downtown near the tunnel entrance to Detroit - and all winnings are tax free in Canada.

There is a beautiful park down by the river where you can stroll along and see great views of Detroit.

tammy63

Thanks harrowgirl! It sounds like a very enjoyable experience!! Can't wait! I have been filling out passport info. today! I thought they changed that in Jan. 2007 .. that people needed passports. This is great news! I appreciate you answering on both of my posts!!

harrowgirl

Passports are needed for international flights, but at land border crossings, photo id and birth certificate is sufficient for now. Might be changing in 2008 or 2009.

Not sure about sea crossings.